Please note the image shows the full package version of this telescope. This is just for illustration purposes only. This listing is for the OTA only with no accessories.

The Takahashi Epsilon-180ED (D=180mm, F/2.8), based on catadioptric telescope design (means association of lenses and mirrors) offers a fundamental innovation compared with Newton reflector or Schmidt astrograph. Therefore, the Epsilon-180ED suits both visual observation and large field imaging needs.

The Epsilon-180ED wide field is perfectly flat and allows the use of traditional photographic formats as 24x36 (35mm) or 6x6 and even 6x9. Stellar images of less 20µ can be recorded, which highlights the extreme accuracy of this telescope. Epsilon's images provide incomparable contrast and sharpness.

The optical tube assembly (hyperbolical Newton) gives an image very contrasted even with stars located at the edge of the field. Regardless of its photographic qualities, Epsilon-180ED is a first range telescope for large field observation. Observation of stellar fields, star clusters and galaxies will bring you so much pleasure, while the sharpness of star images will reveal the extraordinary possibilities of your astrograph. It proves to be a fabulous instrument for deep sky and comet surveys. The observation of Lagoon and Trifide nebulas in the same field is extraordinarily seizing.

The rack-and-pinion focuser has a rotary system for framing. A microfocuser (MEF-1) is available on option.

The Epsilon-180ED mechanical design quality, perfectly matched with its optics, will make delicate night handling such as collimation (to be trimmed in full day) and the installation of a photographic image or CCD a lot easier, like for instance : focusing, framing of the object, pointing of the guiding star, etc. Few other telescopes on the market make these operations as easy. The comfort of use of Epsilon-180ED allows you a fast control of your telescope adjustments and therefore gives you time to concentrate on the essential : to set your imaging process.

Epsilon-180ED primary mirror cellThe primary mirror cell is equipped with 3 "double-action" collimation screws (pushing/drawing). Moreover, you have 3 screws with counter-nut to adjust the pressure under the primary mirror in order to minimize the stresses due to strong seasonal temperature changes.

The collimation of Epsilon-180ED is particularly facilitated for various reasons. It is not an high-resolution reflector thus the procedure is less rigorous than on a Cassegrain-like optical design ; collimation on a star will then not be necessary. The optical axis is represented by reference marks on the 2 mirrors. Takahashi conceived a simple system of collimation eyepiece particularly adapted to Epsilon-180ED. Consequently, you will be able to quietly collimate your Epsilon-180ED during daytime, which is a large advantage compared to a traditional reflector.

The Epsilon-180ED is a catadoptric reflector, including an hyperbolical primary mirror, an elliptical secondary mirror and a 2-lenses field corrector in the rack-and-pinion focuser. It results a perfectly flat field, ideal for wide field imaging.

Epsilon-180ED spot diagramThe perfect correction of field, covering the entire image circle, is attested by the spot-diagram. The diffraction pattern almost does not present a residue of coma in periphery. In the same way, the 2-lenses corrector practically does not generate any chromatism.

Some items that are showing as in stock are in stock at our holding warehouses, not at the shop. To double check the stock levels at the shop, please contact us on 01909774369 or sales@rothervalleyoptics.co.uk.

The delivery times for most items is 1 - 2 days but again, please double check stock levels on important orders before placing an order via the website.

The delivery costs for courier next day are for mainland UK only. If you live in the Scottish Highlands/Islands, Channel Islands or Northern Ireland, then a shipping surchage will apply. please contact us for prices. Smaller items can still go 1st class via Royal Mail.

Please note that if you are wanting to take advantage of our Saturday and Sunday timed services or next day pre 12 or pre 10:30 services, you MUST check that the stock is here at the shop before placing orders. Also, orders using the Saturday and Sunday services must be placed before 2pm the previous working day. Also, please remember to check that the stock is here at the shop before placing orders. If the stock is not at the shop, we won't be able to ship on any of the timed services.

Please note International customers will need to contact us for a shipping price prior to ordering via the website. This all depends on the size and weight of the items. Please get in touch with us for any postage costs. Please note we do NOT ship telescopes or heavy items outside of the UK. This is due to massive postage costs and problems regarding returns.

If you have any questions regarding stock levels or delivery, please get in touch.

Rother Valley Optics now have a loyalty point scheme active on the website. As you can see from the products, every item has a point value. Each pound you spend with us, you will receive 1 loyalty point. 1 point is worth 1p. You can accumulate these points as you shop with us, then when you are over £5, you can spend them on the website! Easy as that.

Even if you collect most of your items from our shop, you can still order via the website and select the "shop collection" delivery option. Then you can come to our shop, collect your item and still get your points!

Please note this scheme is online only. Customers who order via the telephone can still be added to the scheme manually. Please ask for more details on this. Before placing orders online, please make sure you are registered with us first otherwise your points won't be allocated.

So happy shopping and if you have any questions about the scheme or any other queries, please get in touch.

Rother Valley Optics

01909774369sales@rothervalleyoptics.co.uk

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